This year again, for the fifth year in a row, Ukraine marks its Independence Day while fighting for its sovereignty in a war of aggression. As the toll of human suffering rises, it is increasingly important for us to show the people of Ukraine that, alongside the Finnish people’s other means of support, we are continuing to advocate for a sustainable peace in Ukraine and will defend Ukraine’s right to autonomy in any future peace negotiations.
UNITED FOR UKRAINE programme
The event will start in Helsinki’s Senate Square at 17.00.
Greetings will be delivered by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Archbishop Tapio Luoma, and Deputy Mayor of Helsinki Johanna Laisaari. In addition to the Prime Minister, other representatives of Finland’s state leadership, members of the Ukrainian Embassy, and representatives of the diplomatic corps will attend the event.
As in previous years, we will fill Helsinki’s Senate Square with sunflowers, the Ukrainian national flower.
At the end of the event at Senate Square, the Ukrainian community will form a large procession leading all interested participants along Aleksanterinkatu to Kansalaistori (Citizens’ Square), where the Ukrainian national anthem will be performed.
UNITED FOR UKRAINE is organised by the Evangelic Lutheran Church in Helsinki and the Association of Ukrainians in Finland in cooperation with the City of Helsinki, the University of Helsinki, the Prime Minister’s Office of Finland, and the Embassy of Ukraine.